The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

12th Nigeria Pitch Awards: Osimhen,  Lookman, Bassey, Ajibade  top  nominees

Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Eno, MTN, BET9JA,GTI, NDDC  in the mix

The Super Eagles trio of Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray  , Ademola Lookman of Atalanta and Calvin Bassey of Fulham lead nominations for the 12^th  edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The organizers of the awards announced this at a media gathering at the Johnwood Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday, 16 December.

Speaking at the event organized to celebrate partners, members of the College of Voters, and journalists, Dr. Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, reaffirmed organizers’ confidence in the voting process coordinated by SIAO Partners, the accounting firm that has been at the helm of the collation and auditing of the results since 2014.

“ We would like to thank SIAO Partners and express our confidence in the results that will be presented at this gathering. We have worked with SIAO Partners for over 11 years, and during this period, they have consistently demonstrated professionalism and commitment to this national project, ”  Dr Philips said.

Also speaking at the event, Afolabi Lawal, Senior Manager at SIAO Partners, stated that the accounting firm adhered to all due process while collating and auditing the results.

While announcing the names of nominees, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the NFF Director of Communication, stated that the Federation continues to support the Nigeria Pitch Awards because the award process is credible and transparent.

In the King of the Pitch category, Lookman, the 2024-winner of the award, will face competition from Bassey and Osimhen.

The Queen of the Pitch Award will be a stiff battle between Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion Women FC, Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, and Rasheedat Ajibade of PSG Feminine.

Super Eagles new defensive sensation, Benjamin Frederick (Dender E.H.), will hope to starve up competition from Bassey and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) for the Defender of the Year award.

The Midfielder of the Year category will be a fierce competition between Alex Iwobi (Fulham ), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)and Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş).

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In their second nominations, Lookman and  Osimhen will face competition from Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United) for the  Rashidi Yekini Award for the Best Striker of the Year.

The award for the Football Friendly Governor of the Year will be a straight contest between Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.

Dr. Philips also announced that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be honoured with the Special Achievement in Sports Award at the 12th Award Ceremony. This is in recognition of the Commission’s invaluable contributions to the growth of sports through its organization of the Niger Delta Games.

ALL THE NOMINEES:

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Kayode Bankole                                                          Remo Stars & TS Galaxy F.C.

Maduka Okoye                                                            Udinese Calcio

Stanley Nwabali                                                           Chippa United F.C.

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

Benjamin Frederick                                         F.C.V. Dender E.H.

Calvin Bassey                                                  Fulham F.C.

Ola Aina                                                          Nottingham Forest F.C.

MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR

Alex Iwobi                                                       Fulham F.C.

Frank Onyeka                                                  Brentford F.C.

Raphael Onyedika                                           Club Brugge

Wilfred Ndidi                                                  Beşiktaş J.K.

RASHIDI YEKINI AWARD FOR THE BEST STRIKER OF THE YEAR

Ademola Lookman                                          Atalanta BC

Anas Yusuf                                                     Nasarawa United

Victor Osimhen                                                           Galatasaray S.K

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Remo Stars F.C

Rivers United F.C

Super Falcons

COACH OF THE YEAR

Daniel Ogunmodede                                        Remo Stars F.C

Finidi George                                                   Rivers United F.C

Justine Madugu                                                            Super Falcons

SAM OKWARAJI AWARD

Kunle Soname                                                             Bet9ja

Patrick Olusegun Odegbami                             Nigerian Ex-International

Victor Osimhen                                                           Galatasaray S.K

STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Delta State

Kwara State

Lagos State

FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE YEAR

Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium , Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

MKO Abiola Int’l Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State

Remo Stars Stadium , Remo, Ogun State

FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR

His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu  Lagos State

His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun           Ogun State

His Excellency, Umo Eno                    Akwa Ibom State

CORPORATE SPONSOR OF FOOTBALL AWARD

Bet9ja                                                  Sport Betting

GTI Financial                                       Financial Services

MTN Nigeria                                        Telecom

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Bukola Olopade                                               D.G, NSC

George Aluo                                        Chairman, NNL

Hon. Kunle Soname                            Chairman, Remo Stars FC

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – PRINT

Abiodun Adewale                                Punch Newspapers

Johnny Edward                                                The Nation Newspapers

Charles Diya                                        New Telegraph Newspapers

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – TV

Babatunde Koiki                                  News Central Television

Cecilia Omorogbe                                Channels TV

Mozez Praiz                                         Supersport

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – RADIO

Olawale Adigun                                               Wash 94.9 FM/ Sure 97.5 FM

Anthony Bekederemo                          Brila 88.9 FM

Chuma Nnoli                                       Nigeria Info FM

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – ONLINE

Kunle Solaja                                        Sportsvillagesquare.com

Niyi Busari                                          BSNSports.com.ng

Samuel Ahmadu                                  Savid News/ Nigeriafootball.ng

QUEEN OF THE PITCH

Chiamaka Nnadozie                            Brighton & Hove Albion Women

Esther Okoronkwo                               AFC Toronto

Rasheedat Ajibade                               PSG Feminine

KING OF THE PITCH

Ademola Lookman                              Atalanta B.C.

Calvin Bassey                                      Fulham F.C.

Victor Osimhen                                               Galatasaray S.K.

December 17, 2025
Pharaohs edge Super Eagles in sizzling pre-AFCON friendly

Osimhen, Simon expected to join mates

The Super Eagles  last night  suffered a  2-1 loss to  Egypt  in their pre-Africa cup of Nations (AFCON)  warm-up match  at the Cairo International Stadium .

Both teams  used the  friendly encounter top ascertain the readiness  of their squad  for the forthcoming   2025 AFCON  which opens  in Morocco on December  21  and they both game a good account  of themselves  with te Pharaohs  running away with  a hard- earned victory in front of their home fans.

While Pharaoh’s Coach Hossam Hassan   rested  Liverpool  star Mohamed Salah and Man City  Omar Marmoush, coach Eric Sekou Chelle  handed  out  first international start to Pisa midfielder Akinsanmiro.

But it was the home side that raced in front in the 28th minute  through  Midfielder Mahmoud Saber  who met  Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed’s cross with a right-footed shot into the empty net.

The Super Eagles  fought back  and were rewarded with  the equalizer in the added time of the first half as defender Chidozie Awaziem headed  home  from very close range following a free kick.

Read Also: Discovery Cup: Ojodu City clinches victory as tournament uncovers Nigerian talents for European football

At the restart, Chelle drafted  some fresh legs as goalkeeper Amas Obasogie replaced  Stanley Nwabali; Bruno Onyemaechi replaced Zaidu Sanusi; Semi Ajayi came  in for Chidozie Awaziem; Cyriel Dessers replaced Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Ademola Lookman came  in for Raphael Onyedika.

Nevertheless, It was  the Egyptians that netted  the winning goal through Mohammed in the 52nd  minute and they held out despite the Super Eagles; brave fight  in a match  another newly  invited, Salim Fago Lawal  made his debut  as replacement for defender Igoh Ogbu in the 85th minute.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ top striker Victor Osimhen as well as  Moses Simon are expected  to fly straight to Morocco to link up with the team after missing out of  the friendly match against Egypt yesterday.

New invitee  Usman Mohammed  and Fulham striker Samuel Chukwueze teamed up with  the rest of the squad yesterday  bring together  26 players  in Cairo.

The Super Eagles, who are drawn in Group C  along with Tanzania, Uganda and Tunisia, will fly out tomorrow from Cairo  in a chattered flight to their AFCON base in Fes.

LIST OF 25 PLAYERS IN SUPER EAGLES’ EGYPT CAMP:

Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Akinsanmiro Ebenezer; Amas Obasogie; Semilogo Ajayi; Ademola Lookman; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Igho Ogbu; Tochukwu Nnadi; Zaidu Sanusi;Paul Onuachu

Frank Onyeka; Calvin Bassey; Alex Iwobi; Wilfred Ndidi; Bruno Onyemaechi; Cyril Dessers; Akor Adams; Chidera Ejuke; Raphael Onyedika; Ryan Alebiosu Salim Fago; Chidozie Awaziem, Usman Mohammed and  Samuel Chukwueze.

December 17, 2025
2026 World Cup: FIFA back down on exorbitant ticket prices for ‘loyal fans’

World Cup organisers on Tuesday announced a cheaper category of tickets after sustained criticism of the prices at the 2026 competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FIFA, the governing body of world football, said in a statement that it had created “Supporter Entry Tier tickets set at 60 US dollars each and available for all 104 matches, including the final”.

It said the plan was “designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the tournament”.

FIFA said that the $60 (51 euros) tickets would be reserved for fans of qualified teams and would make up 10 percent of each national federation’s allotment.

Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week called prices “extortionate” and “astronomical”, responded by saying the FIFA was offering too little.

“While we welcome FIFA’s seeming recognition of the damage its original plans were to cause, the revisions do not go far enough,” FSE said Tuesday in a statement.

Last week, FSE said ticket prices were almost five times higher than in 2022 in Qatar.

“If a supporter were to follow their team from the first match to the final it would cost them a minimum of $6,900,” it said at the time, adding that World Cup organisers had promised tickets priced from $21 in a bid document released in 2018.

On Tuesday, FSE said FIFA was reacting to complaints.

“For the moment we are looking at the FIFA announcement as nothing more than an appeasement tactic due to the global negative backlash,” FSE said.

“This shows that FIFA’s ticketing policy is not set in stone, was decided in a rush, and without proper consultation – including with FIFA’s own member associations.

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“Based on the allocations publicly available, this would mean that at best a few hundred fans per match and team would be lucky enough to take advantage of the 60 US dollar prices, while the vast majority would still have to pay extortionate prices, way higher than at any tournament before.”

The organisation also criticised the failure to make provisions for supporters with disabilities or their companions.

Announcing the $60 tickets on Tuesday, FIFA said that national federations “are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams”.

FIFA also said that if fans bought tickets for games in the knock-out rounds only to find their team eliminated at earlier stage, they “will have the administrative fee waived when refunds are processed.”

It added that it was making the announcement “amid extraordinary global demand for tickets” with 20 million requests already submitted.

The draw for tickets of all prices in this first round of sales will take place on Tuesday, January 13.

December 17, 2025
PSG ordered to pay Mbappe 60m euros

Paris St-Germain have been ordered to pay former striker Kylian Mbappe 60m euros (£52.5m) in unpaid salary and bonuses by a French court.

Mbappe had been seeking 263m euros (£231.5m) from his former club after the long-running dispute reached a Paris labour court in November.

The European champions were counter-suing the France captain for 240m euros (£211m).

The 26-year-old Real Madrid forward claimed the nine-figure sum as damages in response to a contract dispute and ill-treatment by the club.

However, he was awarded just over a fifth of that amount in court on Tuesday.

The court recognised that PSG had failed to pay three months of his salary between April and June 2024 as well as an ethics bonus and a signing bonus under his contract.

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It is believed that the majority of the money awarded to Mbappe was bonuses, rather than his salary.

In May, a 55m euro sum in the club’s accounts was frozen following a request by Mbappe’s legal team.

“We are satisfied with this ruling. This is what you could expect when salaries went unpaid,” Mbappe’s lawyer Frederique Cassereau said.

In a statement, Mbappe’s legal team added: “This judgement confirms that commitments entered into must be honoured. It restores a simple truth: even in the professional football industry, labour law applies to everyone.

“Mr Mbappe, for his part, scrupulously respected his sporting and contractual obligations for seven years, right up to the final day.”

While accepting the court’s ruling, PSG haven’t ruled out appealing against the decision.

The club had been seeking compensation for Mbappe’s failed 300m euro transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in 2023.

He joined Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer the following summer.

The club’s statement read: “Paris St-Germain takes note of the judgement pronounced by the Paris Labour Court, which it will execute, while reserving the right to appeal.

“Paris St-Germain has always acted in good faith and with integrity, and will continue to do so. The club is now looking to the future, based on unity and collective success, and wishes the player the best for the rest of his career.”

Mbappe’s decision not to move to the Saudi Pro League, coupled with his refusal to sign a contract extension, sparked a dispute lasting more than two years, with the forward believing he was sidelined by the French champions.

He was not invited to take part in the club’s pre-season tour of Asia and missed their first match of the 2023-24 campaign.

He was later reinstated to the side – a decision PSG said followed Mbappe’s agreement to forgo some of his end-of-contract payments to protect the club’s financial health.

However, Mbappe’s representatives dismissed the claim as “fantasy” at November’s hearing.

PSG also accused the player of acting “disloyally by concealing for nearly 11 months, between July 2022 and June 2023, his decision not to extend his contract” and said the club had suffered “significant damages” as a result of his actions.

Mbappe was at PSG from 2017 to 2024, initially on loan from Monaco and later on a permanent transfer, and won 15 trophies in the French capital.

He is PSG’s all-time leading scorer, with 256 goals in 308 games, including 44 goals in 48 matches in his final season.

December 17, 2025
NTDA pushes for a world-class Eyo Festival

By Anu Ajibade

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has begun strategic engagements to reposition the Eyo Festival as one of the nation’s leading cultural tourism attractions, with a courtesy visit by the Director General, Dr. Ola Awakan, to the Iga Idunganran Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I.

The visit forms part of NTDA’s renewed commitment to transforming Nigeria’s major cultural festivals into globally competitive tourism assets, with the Eyo Festival identified as a flagship event capable of drawing both domestic and international visitors.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Awakan noted that the Eyo Festival represents the soul of Lagos culture and stands as a powerful tool for destination branding.

“Our focus is to work closely with the Lagos Royal Institution to elevate the Eyo Festival into a world-class cultural attraction that mirrors the vibrancy, identity, and history of Lagos,” he said. He emphasized the authority’s dedication to providing technical support, strengthening promotion, and enhancing cultural preservation.

Oba Akiolu welcomed NTDA’s renewed interest, expressing strong support for a more coordinated national approach to the festival’s promotion. “The Eyo Festival is a heritage treasure and the heartbeat of Lagos tradition. We welcome collaborations that will help safeguard its legacy and promote it as a cultural pride for future generations,” he said.

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The monarch urged the NTDA DG to remain steadfast in advancing tourism values that reflect integrity, heritage protection, and cultural growth.

Both parties discussed opportunities to transform the 2025 edition of the Eyo Festival into a more structured cultural tourism experience—one that not only preserves tradition but also enhances visitor participation, creates economic opportunities for local communities, and strengthens Lagos’ position as a premier cultural destination.

At the end of the palace engagement, the Director General and his team were received by the Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government and Chairman of the 2025 Eyo Festival Planning Committee, Hon. Taiwo Oyekan. He welcomed NTDA’s involvement and assured the Authority of the committee’s readiness to work collaboratively to deliver a successful, tourism-driven festival.

Dr. Awakan was accompanied by the NTDA South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Alice Akinsola, and other senior officials.

December 17, 2025
‘Kiriji War shooting a boost to Ekiti tourism’

From Wale Ojo-Lanre

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has described the ongoing shooting of the epic historical movie “Kiriji War (Ekiti–Parapo War)” as a major boost to tourism development in Ekiti State, saying the project goes beyond historical documentation to strategically project the state’s rich natural tourism and cultural assets to the world.

The Governor stated this on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the movie production sets at various locations in Ado-Ekiti, with significant scenes shot at extensive locations in Odo-Uro, Iyin-Ekiti.

Governor Oyebanji said the film provides a global platform to showcase Ekiti’s geography, lush vegetation, eco-tourism assets, cultural heritage and religious tourism sites, noting that the state’s rolling hills, thick forests, rocky landscapes and serene rural settlements offer natural cinematic scenery capable of attracting tourists and creative industry investors.

The Kiriji War, was a 16-year civil war fought between 1877 and 1893 among Yoruba sub-ethnic kingdoms, involving the Western Yoruba—mainly Ibadan and Oyo-speaking groups—and the Eastern Yoruba, including Ekiti, Ijesa, Ijebu, Yagba and others.

Speaking with journalists after touring the film locations, the Governor, who was accompanied by the Nollywood producers and top government officials including the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Director-General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre Director-General, Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso Omotoso and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Arts , Culture and Creative Economy,Prince Banji Adelusi , reiterated his administration’s commitment to preserving and properly documenting Ekiti history as a tool for identity, education, development and tourism growth.

While clarifying that the Ekiti State Government did not directly sponsor the film, Oyebanji disclosed that he leveraged the support of friends and associates committed to promoting Ekiti’s history and culture to facilitate and co-sponsor the project.

“Art, culture and tourism are pillars of our administration. A people without history are a lost people. What is being shot here is part of our history, now being documented for future generations. From what I have seen on ground, Ekiti people will be proud when this film is finally released, because we are telling our story ourselves and showcasing our land to the world,” the Governor said.

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He commended the Nollywood producers, Lateef Adedimeji and Bimpe Adedimeji, and other stakeholders for their commitment to authenticity, creativity and professionalism, assuring them of continued government support for initiatives that positively project Ekiti’s culture, history and values.

In his remarks, the producer of the Ekiti–Parapo War film, Lateef Adedimeji, said the decision to shoot the movie in Ekiti was to ensure historical accuracy and originality, adding that about 500 actors, including many selected from Ekiti communities, are participating in the production.

Adedimeji described Ekiti’s landscape as peaceful, beautiful and ideal for filmmaking, noting that several scenes were shot across pristine tourism locations in the state, which he said would add visual depth and authenticity to the film.

He expressed confidence that the movie would complement existing historical literature on the Kiriji War, giving audiences the opportunity to see history come alive through film while stimulating interest in visiting the actual locations where the events occurred.

The Kiriji War film, with major locations in Ado-Ekiti and Odo-Uro, Iyin-Ekiti, is expected to further position Ekiti State as an emerging film-induced tourism destination, where history, culture and nature converge.

December 17, 2025
The Untold: Adebiyi turns pain into purpose

Workforce and workplace management consultant, Oyenike Adebiyi, has released The Untold, a personal and introspective book that chronicles her 35 year journey of chronic pain, spiritual endurance, and the transformational power of perseverance.

For Oyenike, the book emerges from a lifelong struggle with a rare and severe leg condition that began in childhood, first as mild cramps, eventually developing into debilitating pain. The condition altered her gait and posture, exposing her to mockery from friends and neighbors.

“It took a toll on my personality. But my late mother reminded me of my dream to become an international public speaker, training people and changing lives. She helped me see people’s actions as preparation and not humiliation,” she said.

As she grew older, the crises intensified. At 18, she was diagnosed with avascular necrosis osteoarthritis and placed on traction for two months at an orthopedic hospital.

The long and painful recovery caused extended absence from school and a full year confined at home. It was during this period that isolation nearly drifted into depression. The support of family and friends, and the gift of writing kept me, eventually wrote a handbook on body and beauty care, which helped shift my focus back to living,” she explained.

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The chronic pain persisted into adulthood, shaping most aspects of her life. Oyenike underwent eight major surgeries and over ten medical procedures.

“There were numerous sleepless nights. I became used to needle pricks, bandages, crutches, and different medications.”

According to Oyenike, one of her most harrowing experiences came during pregnancy, when the pain threatened the life of her unborn child. “I was advised to evacuate multiple times, but I refused. I prayed, endured, and eventually my baby came safely. She is my only biological child,” she said.

Across these experiences, her personality, warm, engaging, deeply empathetic, began attracting people to her. She gradually recognized this as a calling rather than coincidence. “What seemed intended for disruption became motivation, journaled my experiences, which eventually became The Untold,” she said.

Despite the book’s deeply personal content, Oyenike initially resisted the idea of making her private struggles public. She credits a spiritual mentor for prompting the transition from journaling to publishing.

“I got the question, how will people know what God has done for you if you don’t document it? I became conscious of God’s grace and agreed that I had no excuse but to share,” she said.

Since its release, readers have expressed emotional and reflective reactions. “Many became teary, One friend called me mid-reading to ask, ‘How did you cope?’ His reaction encouraged me to share even more stories of grace and God’s glory,” she said.

She added the positive reception has also inspired increased awareness campaigns and a drive for wider distribution of the book.

For Oyenike, faith has been central. “I have never doubted God or become angry because of the pain. I believe my healing has taken place, it is only waiting for manifestation. This waiting is perseverance, she said, quoting the biblical definition of faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Looking forward, Oyenike hopes to reach hospitals, disability centres, and faith communities with her message. She envisions speaking to large audiences without crutches one day and offering comfort to those who feel defeated by life’s challenges. “The best person to comfort others is one who has experienced pain,” she emphasized.

Reflecting on her journey, she imagines her younger self “would appreciate and celebrate me acknowledging the strength in pulling through.” For her, the true legacy of The Untold will be the countless lives uplifted by its message of endurance, grace and quiet strength.

December 17, 2025
NCC launches prize for copyright reporting

Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has reintroduced its annual copyright forum, which is now to be known as the Annual Copyright Dialogue. The Commission also instituted the Moses Ekpo Prize for Innovative Copyright Reporting to honour journalists and media organisations that demonstrate innovation, integrity, and commitment to advancing copyright education and public awareness.

The Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Dr. John Asein disclosed this speaking at the Copyright Seminar for Journalists organised by the Commission in collaboration with the Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN) in Abuja last Wednesday.

While noting the importance of feedback from stakeholders, Dr. Asein observed that the Annual Copyright Dialogue will allow for more robust policy discourse, institutional reflection and strategic engagement with right owners and other stakeholders on how to enhance the copyright system.

Commending media practitioners for their enduring partnership and support, he noted that the media, through their reportage, analysis, and narratives, shape national consciousness, influence public perception and drive policy outcomes, adding that the realisation of the Commission’s statutory mandate to promote and protect creativity requires a strong, credible, and professional media sector.

He drew attention to the negative impact of digital piracy on the nation’s creative industries, the DG-NCC noting that Nigeria loses billions of Naira annually to Intellectual Property theft describing it as a major threat to creative investment and national development.

“A decade ago, we dealt with mass reproduction of CDs and DVDs. Today, we are confronted with cloud-based infringements, algorithm-driven content aggregation, digital anonymity, and hyperactive online piracy networks. These developments demand innovative regulatory responses and broader partnerships” Dr. Asein stressed.

He announced Ms Evelyn Osagie as the winner of the maiden edition of the Moses Ekpo Prize for Innovative Copyright Reporting. Osagie, who until her passing away on 17 August 2025, was Assistant Editor (Art) with The Nation Newspaper. It was in recognition of her contributions to Nigeria’s creative and copyright sector.

Dr. Asein described Ms. Osagie as an empathetic and accomplished journalist who amplified the voices of emerging creators, supported NCC’s enforcement efforts and consistently highlighted the threats of piracy with clarity and courage.

Expressing the Commission’s appreciation to ACWAN members and other media professionals, the Director-General called on journalists and media organizations to be proactive partners in policy development, public enlightenment, highlighting emerging issues in the copyright sector that require intervention; monitoring the Commission’s enforcement operations; mobilising public support against piracy and other copyright abuses, and giving feedbacks to improve on the Commission’s service delivery.

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At the end of the training, participants appreciated the Commission for the knowledge and insight gained. Speaking on behalf of other participants, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Editor, Mr. Joshua Olomu expressed optimism that the participants are better equipped to function as partners and stakeholders of the nation’s creative economy.

Also speaking at the end of the event, The Nation’s reporter, Mr. Vincent Ikuomola noted that the training is timely considering the importance of copyright and challenges faced by creatives and other stakeholders due to piracy and other illegal acts. He said the seminar has enriched his knowledge about copyright and enlightened him on his rights as a creator.

FRCN Correspondent, Mr. Oluwaseyi Ajibade, also described the seminar as an eye opener and a call on journalists to do more in sensitizing the public on the potentials of creativity. “I have come to know my rights as a journalist and the need to strike a balance in reportage. It has also given me more sense of responsibility not just as a reporter but as a stakeholder in the creative sector” he stated.

“If we have this kind of event quarterly or twice a year it will help us to understand and support the efforts of the NCC” he added.

Paper presentations at the hybrid seminar include: The Journalists guide to Effective Reportage of the Copyright Sector by renowned journalist and Culture Caucus Advocate (CCA), Mr. Jahman Anikulapo; Copyright Law and Journalism by IP Consultant and Principal Partner Alpha-Edge Legal, Mr. Mike Akpan; Imperatives of Sustained Awareness Creation for Effective Copyright Protection and Development by Public Relations Expert and former Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Vincent Oyefeso. The event was moderated by Director of Public Affairs NCC, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike.

December 17, 2025
Coker-Aguda presents N11b budget

The Chairman of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Azeez Ogidan, has presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged “Budget of Inclusive Growth,” to the 6th Legislative Council.

Presenting the budget—valued at over N11 billion, Ogidan stated that the proposal reflected the council’s commitment to deepening grassroots development.

He emphasised that the 2026 fiscal plan will prioritise healthcare, road infrastructure, education, empowerment initiatives, and social development, among other key sectors.

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He reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to transparent governance, people-centred development, and the accelerated delivery of democratic dividends to all residents.

Ogidan noted that the budget was designed to address the yearnings and aspirations of the community.

The chairman announced that the council would intensify efforts to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), stressing that revenue expansion is critical to successfully implementing the budget.

Leader of the House, Afeez Sulaiman, praised the chairman for presenting a development-focused and forward-looking budget.

He assured that the legislative arm is fully committed to ensuring the speedy and thorough passage of the appropriation bill.

The event was attended by the Vice Chairman, Matthew Olaleye; traditional rulers; the Acting Council Manager, Mrs. Aminat Oyenuga; the Council Treasurer, Mrs. Taofeekat Paramole; as well as other top management staff, stakeholders, and community leaders.

December 17, 2025
Eti-Osa holds budget retreat

The Eti-Osa Local Government has held a budget retreat at Daval Spring Hotel, Ikorodu.

The event brought together political office holders, management staff, departmental and unit heads, and key stakeholders to harmonise development strategies for the new fiscal year.

Chairman of the council Omo’ba Adeola Adetoro, said the retreat reviewed departmental and unit proposals, assess performance indicators from the outgoing year, and develop realistic targets for 2026.

The session, she said, was designed to promote transparency, fiscal discipline, and effective allocation of resources.

Read Also: NGF names Yobe best performing state in primary health care delivery

Adetoro highlighted the administration’s achievements within the first three months, including the hosting of a summer vocational coaching programme, distribution of free GCE forms, and the organising free medical outreach. She emphasised the importance of the six-point HEYIGA agenda – Health, Education, Youth and Women Empowerment, Infrastructure, Greener Environment, and Agriculture – and urged participants to accord the programme the necessary sacrifice, dedication, and courage to achieve remarkable feats by the end of 2026.

“The retreat was interactive and goal-driven, with a focus on deepening inter-departmental synergy, sharpening the collective vision, and renewing the shared commitment to advancing the development of Eti-Osa Local Government,” she said.

December 17, 2025